Indian Super League outfit Kerala Blasters had a tough outing in the Durand Cup quarterfinals against Mohammedan SC, and eventually lost 3-0. The three-time finalists of the ISL entered the game with a reserves squad of players, and they proved to be of no match to the quality exhibited by Mohammedan FC.
The Blasters, who went in with plenty of young names throughout the Durand Cup, put in some incredibly spirited performances. However, they did not find a way past a very resilient Black Panthers’ unit, who just had no flaws in their game on the night.
The I-League team were on the front foot straight away, creating plenty of chances in the opening 10 minutes with acres of spaces afforded to them. Marcus Joseph could’ve put them ahead in just four minutes but his header went wide of keeper Sachin Suresh.
However, Joseph made up for his missed chance in the 17th minute when he rolled in a delightful ball into the path of Sheikh Faiaz, who tapped home the opening goal of the game. The Panthers went into the half-time break with their tails up front, despite having to face some attacking threat from the Blasters, who never had a decisive final product.
Sachin remained key in the second half for the Blasters as he was called into action multiple times, with Mohamedan increasing the intensity. Eventually, Abiola Dauda got the better of him to double the lead and gave the side some breathing space.
Mohammad Aimen was handed the best opportunity of the game for the Blasters, but the player failed to beat the keeper. The two-goal deficit turned three in the final 10 minutes of the game, with Dauda once again making the most of a lethal cross into the box coming from Abhishek Ambedkar.
The game was put beyond reach after a third strike, and Mohammedan emerged victorious, ending Blasters’ run in the tournament. With the ISL’s new season less than a month away from commencement, head coach Ivan Vukamanovic has plenty to ponder about.
Blasters lost out narrowly in the final to Hyderabad FC last season and will look to go one step ahead in 2022/23.
